Tesla reveals radical electric truck

Battery-powered truck promises to change long-haul transport

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Tesla reveals radical electric truck

17 Nov 2017Andrew Maclean

Tesla is set to make long-haul trucks the greenest machines on the planet.

The American electric car maker revealed its battery-powered Tesla Semi in California, claiming the sleek, aerodynamic machine will be quicker, more efficient and cost significantly less to operate than a conventional diesel-powered truck.

It even has a windscreen made from bullet proof glass, which Tesla founder Elon Musk claimed could withstand a nuclear blast, in order to reduce the chance of it being inconveniently off the road for minor repairs.

The Tesla Semi has four individual electric motors, one in each wheel, that, through controlled delivery of torque, will prevent the truck from jack knifing and provides it with enough power to accelerate to 100km/h in five seconds - about as quick as a hot hatch like a Volkswagen Golf R, and 10 seconds faster than a conventional truck - without a trailer and maintain highway speeds at gradients less than five degrees.

Musk also claims the truck recovers 98 percent of its deceleration through regenerative braking rather than traditional brake pads, which may never have to be replaced over the life of the vehicle.

Tesla has revealed its electric truck Photo: supplied

Tesla says the Semi has a driving range of aproximately 700km at highway speeds while carrying a full load and that its battery pack can be recharged to 80 per cent within 30 minutes via a high-speed DC Megacharger, which can be installed by transport companies, at destination hubs and along heavily trafficked routes. The Megachargers will generate energy via solar panels that is stored in battery packs, essentially shifting trucks from being one of the biggest contributors to carbon emission outputs to one of the cleanest.

The Semi is also planned to be equipped with the highest level of active safety systems with cameras that provide a 360 degree view around the truck as well as the latest in automated driving technologies such as emergency braking, lane keeping assistance and data recording.

Musk says it will be able to join other Tesla Semis in a platoon-style convoy that will make long-haul road transport more cost efficient than rail.

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Drive Comments

JpC | 17 Nov 2017 22:41

It will be interesting to see the cost but when you look at this we are seeing serious disruption now. Those who cannot see that the electric vehicle is coming need to wake up. The charging can be designed to coincide with rest breaks for the driver. When you think about the solar side of panels on the roof of trucks and regenerative brakes. Very exciting future ahead. So Long engine brakes....

haggis1945 | 18 Nov 2017 11:48

Some great ideas in this design but the 30 minutes to recharge to 80% will be a stumbling block. Better to have all the truck companies commit to a standard battery pack that can be changed over in less than 5 minutes, 100% charged. Like JpC, I won't be sorry to see, or rather hear, the end of that modern curse, engine brakes!!

The truth haggis1945 | 18 Nov 2017 19:29

Actually ties in nicely with existing transport regulations for heavy vehicles in Australia. Remember that this 80% charge in half an hour still represents 550km+ in a fully loaded semi (5.5-6 hours, or a full day around town), probably more with a part load. A man has got to tend to both ends of the alimentary canal, a half hour stop is still necessary at some point in the day.

Born again greenie | 18 Nov 2017 19:33

I can assure you the disruption has started. I am lucky enough to be able to afford to drive a Model S Tesla in Australia. The future is here and I have driven it. Prices will come down and electric transport will be the norm within 5 years. All strength to Elon and anyway who takes him on and helps push this disruption along

Really? | 19 Nov 2017 06:27

DJM61 | 19 Nov 2017 08:13

Trains have been electric powered for years.

AtomicNirvana DJM61 | 20 Nov 2017 07:51

You still need trucks

Ross Carroll | 20 Nov 2017 14:30

This is bigger news than what it seems to be getting in Australia - the potential to financially undercut current transportation costs is enormously disruptive. Being more cost effective than current rail and road transport will potentially drive costs down (what effect on inflation will that have?).
Not to mention the enormous benefits of quieter trucks. It's been said by some that having quieter electric vehicles will be to our detriment but I've a theory that as our hearing will collectively adjust as the noise levels decrease. Our ears will compensate in the longer term, for the quietness of our vehicles. You'd have to surmise that there would be flow on benefits to the health industry from that as well.